Training for first responders in Kanawha County became more accessible this week after the Kanawha County Commission approved a plan to reimburse agencies that send personnel to the Sissonville Fire and Rescue School.
Kanawha County Emergency Manager C.W. Sigman said the initiative will support fire departments, law enforcement, and EMS agencies while ensuring responders receive vital training.
“You see what other people are doing,” Sigman said. “That’s a big advantage of attending fire school instead of only training in-house. That interaction is a major benefit.”
Sigman added that reimbursement will encourage better participation and accountability.
“If you sign up, you better go,” he said. “It adds a layer of oversight for fire chiefs to make sure people attend. Once they complete the class, provide a receipt and certificate, accounting will reimburse them.”
Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler said the plan will especially help the county’s nearly 30 volunteer fire departments, which often face difficult financial choices.
“Right now they’re deciding between buying required bunker gear, paying skyrocketing electric bills, or covering education costs,” Wheeler said. “Too often, training is what gets pushed aside.”
Wheeler said the Commission has allocated up to $60,000 from the public safety levy to support the effort, with the goal of training as many first responders as possible.
“Now you can train as many people as you want,” Wheeler said. “The Kanawha County Commission wants your members, volunteers, and employees educated and trained. I think we’ll see higher enrollment, more classes, and more opportunities overall.”